Literary Insights

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

It was the
subject of headlines around the world: Three Mexican fishermen in a small open
boat without any supplies, drifting for more than nine months and 5500 miles
across the Pacific Ocean. Through blistering sun and threatening storms, they
battle starvation, dehydration, hopelessness, and death. An unwavering faith
and a tattered Bible was their only lifeline.

In this true story of Tres Pescadores (Three Fishermen), is the telling of
how they were rescued near Australia. In their story of survival, faith, and
hope it is also Kissack's story as he tells how he was once as lost as they
seemed to be. At first glance, a high rolling television executive and three
fishermen from Mexico have very little in common. As the
story unfolds we find a tale of outdoor adventure, a superstar television
executive, whose life is in shambles, and the incredible ability of God to
rescue them all through their faith.

I highly
recommend this book for anyone who enjoys true life inspiration. The story is
an easy read for those who don’t know the Lord, for new Christians and those
who have been walking with the Lord. This is a message of hope and grace
available to anyone and an encouragement that God will use you not in the same
way as he uses others. When you come to your moment of brokenness will you find
that God is enough?

I received
this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing
as part of their blogging for books program in return for this review.

Friday, December 2, 2011

It is the ultimate quest for the ultimate treasure in
a race against unknown foes. Pursuing a map tattooed on human skin; to possibly
unravel the future of the future.

Lawhead has penned a promising tale
of inter-dimensional adventure, full of rich imagery putting a new spin on an
old legend. Dynamic settings are mixed with unpredictable adventures as we
follow Kit through his new life, which include parallel worlds and time travel.
Most interesting is the lost map many are battling to find. The map is tattooed on
the mapmaker, the skin map. This map is crucial
to traveling the cosmos and, more importantly, getting back to Earth. Soon the reader discovers, as intriguing as
the map is, that's not the real prize, it's only the beginning.

It was suspenseful, engaging, with characters
that are human and easy to relate to. The idea behind this story is
interesting, the descriptions of the various ages/places visited done well. The story itself is
captivating, and draws the reader in very quickly. I did find the main
character not as interesting as the others. I supposed he will redeem himself
in the following stories in the series.

This is the first audio book I have listened to and found it hard to do
anything but sit and listen. Although would be very good on a road trip, I
prefer the actual book. If you like a good story to escape with I recommend
this book, in whatever format you prefer.

I received an audio copy of the book from Thomas Nelson as part of their
Booksneeze Blogger program.